Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

Recreate the iconic Magnolia Bakery banana pudding at home to taste pure magic in a bowl! 

This dreamy dessert features layers of vanilla pudding folded with fresh whipped cream, banana slices, and Nilla wafers. 

Sweetened condensed milk is the magic ingredient that makes it extra luxe.

The texture is incredible, and the flavors are out of this world. It’s no wonder it’s an NYC legend. Magnolia Bakery banana pudding is a no-bake wonder everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

Crowd-Pleasing Classic: This copycat recipe perfectly replicates the beloved New York bakery’s most famous dessert. It’s a guaranteed hit at parties and gatherings.

Luxurious Texture: The combination of whipped cream folded into vanilla pudding creates an incredibly silky, cloud-like consistency. Every bite perfectly balances light and rich texture.

Make-Ahead Marvel: The dessert can be prepared up to 8 hours before you need it. It’s ideal for entertaining or bringing to potlucks, with the flavors improving as the pudding chills.

No-Bake Simplicity: Instant pudding and zero baking mean this dessert is easy to prepare. Perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks looking for a quick yet impressive treat.

Ingredients

• Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas with yellow peels and brown spots for optimal sweetness. Slice them approximately 1/8–1/4 inch thick for ideal layering.
  
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This thick, sweet milk creates the base of the pudding mixture and adds a creamy, caramel-like sweetness.
  
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: I use Jell-O brand for the best results. This mix serves as the stabilizing agent and adds vanilla flavor to the dessert.
  
• Heavy Cream: Whip to stiff peaks. Whipped cream has a light and airy texture, making the dessert fluffy and mousse-like.
  
• Nilla Wafers: These classic vanilla cookies provide essential structure and crunch. They soften as they absorb moisture from the pudding, creating a cake-like texture in the finished dessert.

How to Make Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

With only five ingredients, this pudding is so easy to make at home!

1. Prep the pudding. Add the sweetened condensed milk and ice-cold water to a medium bowl. Whisk until combined. Gradually add the instant vanilla pudding mix, whisking continuously until smooth and lump-free. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until thickened.

2. Whip. When the pudding sets, use an electric mixer to whip the chilled heavy cream in a large, cold bowl. Whip until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3–4 minutes at high speed.

3. Combine. Gently fold the chilled pudding mixture into the whipped cream using a rubber spatula until well combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix to keep the mixture light and fluffy.

4. Assemble. In a trifle bowl or a large glass container, spread one-third of the Nilla Wafers evenly on the bottom. Add a layer of banana slices, using about one-third of the bananas. Then, top with one-third of the pudding mixture, spreading it evenly over the bananas.

5. Repeat. Repeat the layering process twice, finishing with a final layer of the pudding mixture on top.

6. Garnish and chill. Crush a few wafers and sprinkle them on top as a garnish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4–6 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips for the Best Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding

This pudding is simple, but these tips will make it bakery-worthy.

• Be even with the bananas. For a neat presentation and even texture, slice bananas between 1/8–1/4 inch thick. This ensures they layer well without overpowering each bite.
  
• Don’t let them brown! Lightly coat the banana slices with lemon or pineapple juice so they don’t brown while chilling.
  
• The colder, the better. Ensure the water, pudding mix, and heavy cream are as cold as possible. This helps the pudding set properly and whips the cream to stiff peaks.
  
• Whip the cream to stiff peaks. Use a cold bowl and beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form for a light, fluffy texture. This step is crucial for achieving the signature airy consistency.
  
• Be gentle. Fold the whipped cream and pudding gently to avoid deflating the mixture. It should be light and fluffy!
  
• Give it ample chill time. Let the assembled pudding chill for 4–6 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
  
• Try tasty variations. Add peanut butter or chocolate chips. Or use different cookies like Chessmen or Oreos to switch up flavors.

How to Store

Here’s how to keep leftover pudding nice and fresh.

To Store: Cover with plastic wrap (or place it in an air-tight container) and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days, though the bananas may darken slightly over time.

More Banana Pudding Desserts You’ll Love

Banana Pudding Dip
Banana Pudding Fluff
Banana Pudding Cake
Banana Pudding Cookies